A presentation by James Robb (GO GEORGE Manager) at the Transport Forum SIG 2 June 2016 hosted by George Municipality. The theme for the event was: "Smart City" and the topic of the presentation was: "Smart Integrated Public Transport Network for the Smart City"

1. GETTING READY TO RIDE!
Shaping the public transport
landscape
James Robb
02 June 2016

2. George Integrated Public
Transport Network

3. Objectives
Making George a leading Smart City in South Africa
by providing a scheduled bus service aimed at
providing a quality public transport service that is
contributes to a better quality of life for all
(Reliable, Affordable, Safe, Convenient and
Accessible)
Stimulating mode shift from private vehicles to
public transport.
Creating a foundation for holistic future urban and
rural development
Transforming of the existing para-transport
industry into a public transport industry able to
provide public transport services of international
standards (Quality Triangle)

4. Quality Triangle
Public
Contracting
Authority
Vehicle
Operating
Company
QualityCharter
RespondingtoUserNeeds
PassengerCharter
DeliveredServices
Contract
Operating Obligations

5. BRT vs IPTN

6. Supporting a Smart City

7. Objectives
A Smart City is a resilient and sustainable city that
embraces economic development, liveability and social
inclusion, and is:
– More competitive
– Lifts citizens out of poverty
– A great place to live, work and play
– Environmentally friendly
Public Transport is the key to sustainable growth with
minimum environmental impact and maximum social
benefit.
To achieve this, GO GEORGE prescribes to National
Government’s Integrated Urban Development Framework

9. Problem Statement
Implementing integrated public transport in
a Smart City is a complex challenge –
– No “one size fits all” approach
– Cities are complex systems
– Dependant on physical infrastructure
– Overcoming historical spatial separation and
spatial planning distortions
– Continual balancing of the “Four degrees of
freedom” (Tariffs or fares / Subsidies or grants /
Services / Operating costs)

10. GO GEORGE
Overview

11. GO GEORGE Highlights

12. Highlights
Phased roll-out - Currently operating 14 routes,
with 71 vehicles (incl. standby), 18hrs p/day –
carrying 12,000 pax daily (total of 29 routes with
123 vehicles and over 650 urban and rural stops)
First B-Grade Municipality (non-Metro) in South
Africa to receive National Government funding
Pioneered the design of the universal access
Minibus (hydraulic lift and automated side door)
Household savings in excess of R1 million
calculated in the first six months of operation
1 millionth ticket sold 7 months from inception, and
2 millionth ticket sold 4 months later

13. Highlights (cont)
Infrastructure-light design approach (No
dedicated bus lanes and no bus stop
shelters initially), pending establishment
of service demand levels and patterns
Inter-Governmental Agreement between
George Municipality and Western Cape
Dept of Transport

14. GO GEORGE Benefits

19. Investment To-Date
Fixed infrastructure spend: +- R 260 m
Initial vehicle fleet cost: R 208 m
Annual operational cost: +- R 110m
Industry compensation: R 60m

20. Thank You!
Enkosi!
Dankie!